A local resident to Soham-based Viva!, Jess has been very active in her community and became a Young Leader at 1st Fordham Guides, a Fordham Pre-School After School Club worker and has recently set up a Youth Club for the young people of her village.
Jess had also been playing her part in the Coronavirus pandemic prior to joining Viva! by working at Newcampe Medical as an Office Administrator and Warehouse Assistant, working with the team to supply PPE.
With keen interests in nature, conservation, history and Musical Theatre, Jess is looking forward to transferring her many skills to the cultural sector.
‘I am thoroughly enjoying my apprenticeship already and the whole experience so far, and I am looking forward to what my apprenticeship has to offer and teach me in the future. I hope to be able to boost Viva Arts and Community Group’s future ventures and gain the skills and knowledge to continue within the company.’
Former Access Creative College student, Sam Quinn, is finally on the right path to a career in live events by working with Viva! as a Creative Venue Technician Apprentice.
“It took me a while to figure out the industry I was interested in but having previously enjoyed being part of a theatre group and performing in bands throughout high school, I came to realise that I would love to work in the live events and performing arts industries.”
Sam has a very technical background; His first professional role was as an Apprentice HGV Mechanic for Volvo Truck & Bus, Norwich. He has also worked as a radio producer and presenter at Harbour Radio, Great Yarmouth and volunteered at The Fisher Theatre in Bungay as a technician.
“I decided to take a risk and leave my college course to go from just studying how to be a technician, to working full time as one, and I could not be happier. From hearing about all the projects that Viva! takes part in and stages every year, I am certain that I’m on the right track and started a career in the best position possible.”
Sam and Jess’ manager, Rachael Polsom, at Viva! said:
“Even during this very uncertain time, it’s so exciting to be able to give an opportunity to two young people who will contribute to building the future of Viva!, and the way live events will run in the ‘new normal’. I’m really looking forward to seeing them in action when we can be out and about again!”
